PRINCIPLE—Rhythm: Regular Repetition / Progressive Rhythm
Describing FORM: What is the specific communicative strategy? Where is it found?
Progressive rhythm is formed when like elements are reiterated in a method where they clearly, gradual change. Evidence of this can be found on the models shirt, where the left and right side of the woman’s face depicted is replicated and continued either way. The pieces replicated gradually overlap less as the pattern goes on.
Regular repetition is found where like elements recur in the same form--or a non-changing, static manner. We find this principle applied to the pattern on the model’s trousers. The same woman is depicted, here, with pieces of her face repeated in the same cut style not changing in shape nor physicality.
Discussing CONTENT: What does it communicate?
The use of regular repetition is reminiscent of an echo chamber. Possibly it’s commentary on how women may be obsessed with their looks and surround themselves with mirrors constantly. This could be a representation of performing throughout the day surrounded by your reflection may feel, all manifested in one coherent visage.
The example of progressive rhythm on the shirt shows me a split psyche. If we take into context what era the woman may be a symbol of--say around the 50s--the principle could be used to make a commentary on the position of women in said era. Where this woman’s psyche is splitting between a duality of fulfilling a stereotype very prevalent in said era and expressing and accepting her own individuality.
Both express a certain uncomfortability and very prominent unease, especially with how each iteration is not carried out with conventional patterns. This is a powerful use of repetition to be able to do so with an image that is obviously, in its original form, is meant to represent a standard of beauty.
Image source:
http://undercoverism.com/collections/detail.php?cat=WOMENS&n=09&c=321
Jun Takahashi / UNDERCOVER
